Renegotiating already undertaken international commitments would only lead to further distancing from the start of negotiations for the membership of the Republic of North Macedonia in the EU.
This is stated in the position of the Bulgarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs sent to the BGNES Agency on the occasion of the statements of the new Prime Minister of the Republic of North Macedonia Hristiyan Mitskoski.
"The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Bulgaria insistently recalls that the European consensus reached in the summer of 2022 between the 27 EU member states and North Macedonia itself clearly outlines the steps to achieve real progress in the process of European integration of the neighbouring country. Also, the principle of unanimity in the EU enlargement process is established in the Treaty of the European Union and is embedded in the negotiating framework of all previous and current enlargements. Raising ideas for renegotiation of already undertaken international commitments would only lead to new ones moving away from the start of negotiations for EU membership. As a result of unnecessary provocations and confrontation with neighbouring countries, North Macedonia has already lost too much time in the process of opening accession negotiations," the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.
"It is unacceptable the stated intention of the new government of North Macedonia to reject the legitimate demand of part of its own citizens to guarantee rights and freedoms on par with all other communities in North Macedonia, including through their inclusion in the constitution of the neighbouring country. Equally unacceptable is the stated intention of North Macedonia not to adhere to its international commitments and signed agreements. Such an attitude is incompatible with progress along the European path. It leaves serious concerns that in its policy towards the Bulgarians and Bulgaria, the current government in Skopje risks finds itself trapped in the dogmas of a bygone era, rejected by all democratic societies," the document also says, which emphasizes: The Bulgarian position is clearly spelt out in the Decision of the National Assembly of June 24, 2022, supported by all political forces. It is an expression of the will of the Bulgarian citizens to support North Macedonia in the process of fulfilling the criteria for EU membership, provided that the neighbouring country adheres to the highest standards in the field of human rights and fulfils the international commitments undertaken in good faith. This nationwide position will not be changed. | BGNES
